Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor

ABSTRACT

A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No.11/892,956 filed Aug. 28, 2007, which is a continuation of Ser. No.10/907,526 filed Apr. 4, 2005 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,056, andhereby claims the priorities thereof to which it is entitled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to birdfeeders for attractingand feeding wild birds. More particularly, the present inventionconcerns a dispenser with multiple ports for dispensing selective typesof birdseed, thereby to attract different species of wild birds.Additionally, the present invention is directed to a birdfeederincorporating a seed dispenser having multiple ports for dispensingdifferent types of birdseed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bird watching is a highly prevalent past time in both urban and ruralareas. The world is full of birds of numerous varieties in an astoundingarray of colors and designs. Many people enjoy viewing birds of varioustypes, and an industry has evolved around products directed to improvingthe ability of persons to closely observe birds in their naturalenvironment. On one hand, many people venture into the outdoors, wherebinoculars and spotting scopes may be utilized to better view variousbirds in their natural habitats. Such an approach requires a certaindegree of skill, however, in finding and spotting various species ofbirds. Another approach utilizes various means of attracting birds toone's residence or a desired viewing location, such as adjacent a home'sporch or window, where birds may be viewed at one's leisure.

For example, persons have used birdfeeders, birdbaths, and the like toattract birds of various types to their homes. Different types offeeders have been developed, which each dispense foodstuffs that arepreferred by a selected variety of bird which a person might desire toview. For example, seeds, grains, suets, and nectars are commonfoodstuffs that can be dispensed by a selected type of feeder.

Seed dispensing birdfeeders are perhaps the easiest and most popular wayof attracting a myriad of wild birds to a particular location forviewing. This is especially so in the winter months when food is scarce.Typically, seed feeders are suspended from a pole or hung from a treebranch so as to elevate the feeder above the ground and are built tohold and protect the seed from the elements.

There are a variety of seed feeders that have been constructed toattract various species of wild birds. In general, such feeders fallinto three categories: tray feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders.Tray feeders are rather simplistic in design and generally comprise atray or platform on which birdseed is spread. Hopper feeders furtherinclude a feed reservoir, which is oftentimes shaped like a house. Theseed is dispensed beneath the reservoir onto a tray or platform that isaccessible by the birds. Tube feeders, on the other hand, are hollow,cylindrical tubes, often made of plastic, and have multiple feedingstations spaced along the length of the tube. Typically, feedingstations include both a seed port and an adjacent perch to provide thefeeding bird with a place to alight.

Tube feeders are a very popular birdfeeder construction due, in part, totheir ability to keep the seed fairly dry and attract various birdspecies. Particularly, though, the size of the seed ports largelydictate the type of birdseed that may be used to fill the tube feederand, thus, the types of bird species that will be attracted to thefeeder. For example, if the seed ports are relatively large, the feedercan be filled with mixed birdseed or sunflower seeds, which willgenerally attract larger birds, such as blue jays, cardinals, andgrackles. Smaller seed ports, on the other hand, dispense thistle seed,which is a different type of birdseed and is attractive to finches.Accordingly, some tube feeders are specially constructed as thistlefeeders with extra small ports for dispensing thistle seeds.

Oftentimes, people prefer to attract several different species of birdsto a desired viewing location. Accordingly, it is not uncommon forpeople to own a variety of birdfeeders for dispensing different types ofbirdseed. To accommodate this desire, there are a variety of tubefeeders available, which vary in size, appearance, and of course, seedport size.

However, for many, space may be limited for hanging birdfeeders,especially for individuals living in apartments with very limitedbalcony space. For others, time and money may simply limit one's abilityto acquire and maintain several different birdfeeders. As a result, manyare perhaps limited to owning only one type of birdfeeder that is onlycapable of dispensing one type of birdseed. Accordingly, there remains aneed to provide a seed dispensers that are capable of dispensingdifferent types of seed. Further, there is a need to provide new andimproved birdfeeders that are capable of dispensing different types ofbirdseed. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and usefulbirdfeeder for attracting different species of wild birds.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a selectivelyversatile birdfeeder that is capable of dispensing different types ofbirdseed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedbirdfeeder that is capable of dispensing thistle birdseed, mixedbirdseed, or sunflower seeds.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a tubefeeder with multiple feeding stations, which incorporate rotatable seeddispensers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a seed dispenserwith multiple seed ports.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a seeddispenser that is capable of dispensing at least two different types ofbirdseed.

According to the present invention, then, a dispenser is provided thatis adapted to access and dispense birdseed from a birdfeeder that has areservoir with a sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface.The sidewall includes an opening in the form of a mounting hole to whichthe dispenser is attached or otherwise mounted. The opening has acentral axis that is generally perpendicular to the sidewall.

The dispenser may include a base assembly that is mounted to thebirdseed reservoir and an apertured piece supported thereby. The baseassembly includes a front plate having an opening formed therein, aflange extending around the opening in the sidewall of the birdseedreservoir and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wallsupported by the flange and having an access opening formedtherethrough. Together, the flange and the end wall define a chamberwherein the apertured piece is received.

The base assembly may be comprised of two separate components, a basepiece and an end piece coupled thereto. The base piece may include aflange having a plurality of spaced apart tab members associatedtherewith adapted to mate in a snap-fit engagement with a plurality ofspaced apart tab slots associated with the end piece. The end pieceincludes an end wall having an access opening formed therethrough. Whenassembled, the apertured piece is supported by the base piece at alocation proximate to the end wall of the end piece. The base piece mayfurther include a perch and a plurality of prongs for mounting in theopening of the sidewall. The front plate, prongs, perch and flange maybe formed as an integral part of the base piece.

The apertured piece is supported by the base piece and is disposed inthe chamber at a location proximate to the end wall. As such, the basepiece may include a plurality of spaced apart retaining tabs that canretain the apertured piece and permit movement thereof relative to thebase piece. The aperture piece includes a first seed aperture of a firstconfiguration and second seed aperture of a second configuration that isdifferent from the first. The first configuration is adapted to dispensethistle birdseed from the reservoir while the second configuration isadapted to dispense mixed birdseed from the reservoir. It is moveablerelative to the base piece between a first orientation and a secondorientation. In the first orientation the first seed aperture isoriented in a seed accessible state so as to provide access to thebirdseed. Meanwhile, the second orientation places the second seedaperture in a seed accessible state. When in the first orientation, thefirst seed aperture is in fluid communication with the access openingassociated with the end piece, while access to the birdseed via thesecond seed aperture is obstructed by the end wall. In a secondorientation, the access opening is in fluid communication with thesecond seed aperture while access to the birdseed via the first seedaperture is obstructed by the end wall.

As contemplated by the present invention, the apertured piece may be inthe form of an apertured dial that is journaled for rotation on thecentral axis of the opening in the sidewall of the reservoir androtatably disposed in the chamber. The apertured dial may be rotatedrelative to the sidewall, or the base piece.

Additionally, the seed dispenser may include a spacer interposed betweenthe apertured piece and the end piece. And adapted to separate at leasta portion of the apertured piece from the end wall. The spacer may be inthe form of an undulated wire. The end wall may be provided with acircumferential groove formed therein to that is sized and adapted toreceive at least a portion of the wire spacer thereby to retain the wirein place.

The present invention also provides for a birdfeeder that is adapted tobe supported in spaced relation to a support surface so as to providebirdseed to birds. The birdfeeder includes a birdseed reservoir with asurrounding sidewall and at least one seed dispenser mounted in theopening of the sidewall and adapted to dispense birdseed to the birds asdescribed above. Further, the birdfeeder may be provided with aplurality of openings that are formed in the sidewall such that aplurality of seed dispensers are mounted thereto.

These and other objects of the present invention will become morereadily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a new and useful birdfeederaccording to the present invention, which incorporates a plurality ofnew and useful seed dispensers, also according to the present inventionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a representative one of theseed dispensers shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the base piece of the seeddispenser shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear view in elevation of the base piece of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view in elevation of the base piece of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a right side view in elevation of the base piece of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front view in elevation of the apertured dial of the seeddispenser shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a top view in elevation of the apertured dial;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the apertured dial shown in FIG. 7taken about lines 9-9;

FIG. 10( a) is a cross-sectional view of a representative seed dispensershown in FIG. 1 taken about lines 10(a)-10(a) with the second seedaperture in the seed access state;

FIG. 10( b) is a cross-sectional view of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 1 taken about lines 10(a)-10(a) with the first seed aperture in theseed access state;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative birdfeeder according tothe present invention, which incorporates a plurality of seed dispensersaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, in elevation, of a birdfeeder shownin FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of one of the seed dispensersshown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the base piece of the seeddispenser shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 15 is an exploded left side view, in elevation, of the seeddispenser shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 16 is a rear view in elevation of the retaining ring shown in FIGS.11 and 12;

FIG. 17 is a front view in elevation of the retaining ring shown inFIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 18( a) is a cross-sectional view of a representative seed dispensershown in FIG. 12 taken about lines 18(a)-18(a) showing the second seedaperture in the seed access state;

FIG. 18( b) is a cross-sectional view of the seed dispenser shown inFIG. 12 taken about lines 18(a)-18(a) showing the first seed aperture inthe seed access state;

FIG. 19 is a rear view in elevation of an alternative retaining ring;

FIG. 20 is a right side view in elevation of the alternative retainingring shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the seed dispenser shown in FIGS.11 and 12 in use with the alternative retaining ring shown in FIGS. 19and 20;

FIG. 22 is a front view in elevation of another birdfeeder according tothe present invention, which incorporates a plurality of seed dispensersaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a partial exploded view of the birdfeeder shown in FIG. 22with a representative one of the seed dispensers removed from itsmounting hole;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a representative one of theseed dispensers shown in FIGS. 22 and 23

FIG. 25 is a rear view in elevation of the base piece shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front view in elevation of the base piece shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a side view in elevation of the seed dispenser shown in FIG.24;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another birdfeeder according to thepresent invention, which incorporates a plurality of seed dispensersaccording to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a representative one of theseed dispensers shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an exploded side view in elevation of the seed dispensershown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an exploded back perspective view of the base assembly formedby base piece and the end piece of the seed dispenser shown in FIGS. 29and 30;

FIG. 32 is a back view in elevation of the base assembly shown in FIG.31, wherein the base piece and end piece are coupled;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the base assembly shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the spacer and end piece,which are components of the seed dispenser shown in FIGS. 29 and 30;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer and end piece showingthe spacer retained by the groove formed in the end piece;

FIG. 36 is a side view in elevation of the apertured piece, the endpiece and the spacer interposed therebetween;

FIG. 37( a) is a cross-sectional view of a representative seed dispensershown in FIG. 28 taken about lines 37-37 with the mixed seed aperture inthe seed accessible state; and

FIG. 37( b) is a cross-sectional view of a representative seed dispensershown in FIG. 28 taken about lines 37-37 with the thistle seed aperturein the seed accessible state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to seed dispensing birdfeeders forattracting wild birds. In particular, the present invention relates to aseed dispenser that may be used in conjunction with a birdfeeder so asto increase its versatility. More particularly, as contemplated, theseed dispenser of the present invention provides alternative seedapertures, each capable of dispensing different types of birdseed so asto attract a variety of species of birds.

Broadly, the seed dispenser of the present invention includes anapertured piece with multiple seed apertures, preferably of differentconfigurations. The apertured piece may be coupled to the sidewall ofthe birdfeeder with a base piece so as to be moveable relative thereto.The base piece may be removably mounted to the sidewall of a birdfeedersuch that it is partly disposed in the silo, and the apertured piecepreferably includes a first seed aperture of a first configuration and asecond seed aperture of a second configuration that is different fromthat of the first configuration.

The apertured piece may be in the form of an apertured dial that isrotatably disposed in the base piece. The apertured dial is moveablebetween a first orientation wherein a first seed aperture is oriented ina seed accessible state so as to provide access to the bird seed and asecond orientation wherein a second seed aperture is in the seedaccessible state. When the desired seed aperture is in the seedaccessible state, the feeding bird may access the seed therethroughwhile the other aperture(s) on the piece are obstructed or blocked suchthat the birds are unable to access the seed therethrough. The seeddispenser of the present invention may alternatively include a retainingpiece used to secure the dispenser to the feeder and to secure the dialthereon.

To better understand the construction of the seed dispenser of thepresent invention, and its ability to enhance the versatility ofbirdfeeders, reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows a birdfeederin the form of a tube feeder 10 in use with seed dispensers 30 and 31according to the present invention. Generally, tube feeder 10 birdseedreservoir 12, lid 14, hanger member 16, and feeding stations 20. Asshown, birdseed reservoir 12 has a cylindrical sidewall 111 and aninterior and may be constructed from a clear plastic material, but mayalso be constructed of any suitable material as known in the art, suchas metal, glass, and the like. Lid 14 further includes a hanger member16, which is in the form of a chain that may be used to suspend thefeeder from any appropriate support structure, such as a post, treebranch, porch ceiling, or other desired location for observing birds.Hanger member 16 may be of any suitable construction that enables tubefeeder 10 to be elevated above the ground.

Feeding stations 20 include perches 18 located adjacent to a respectiveseed dispenser 30 and 31. Since seed dispensers 30 and 31 are identicalin construction, seed dispenser 30 will be used as a representativesample to discuss the construction of the seed dispensers in moredetail. Seed dispenser 30 may be removably disposed in designatedlocations along the length of the sidewall 11 of birdseed reservoir 12.More particularly, seed dispenser 30 is adapted to nest within holes cutout of the sidewall 11 of the birdseed reservoir. For example, theopening in sidewall 11, shown here as mounting hole 80 in FIG. 1, is cutdirectly out of the sidewall 11 of birdseed reservoir 12. As shown,mounting hole 80 further includes registration notch 82, which will bedescribed below in further detail. Seed dispenser 30 may be eitherremovably disposed in hole 80 or, alternatively, permanently fixedtherein.

Although not shown, it may be desirable to reinforce the birdfeeder siloin an area proximate to the seed dispensing device 30 with metal such ascopper, stainless steel, and the like. Metal reinforcement of the areasurrounding seed dispensing device 30 assists in preventing squirrelsfrom chewing the sidewall 11 of birdseed reservoir 12 in and around thefeeding stations and gaining access to the seed.

Before describing the nested relationship between seed dispenser 30 andmounting hole 80 in further detail, it is perhaps first helpful tobetter understand the construction of the seed dispenser itself.Accordingly, with reference now to FIG. 2, seed dispenser 30 generallyincludes base piece 40 and an aperture piece, which is shown here to bein the form of apertured dial 60. Apertured piece is coupled to sidewall11 by base piece 40. Both the base piece 40 and the apertured dial 60may be made of plastic, wood, metal, a combination thereof or any othermaterial suitable for the construction of a birdfeeder.

Base piece 40 is shown in FIGS. 2-6. As shown, base piece 40 is unitaryin construction and has a front portion 42 and back portion 44, whichare separated from one another by a partitioning wall 46. Front portion42 includes sidewall 50, which extends outwardly from partitioning wall46 to terminate in rim 48. Retaining tabs 52 are disposed on theinterior surface of sidewall 50 in spaced relation to one another. Whiletwo retaining tabs 52 are shown, it should be appreciated that anynumber of retaining tabs may be disposed circumferentially aboutsidewall 50. Preferably, though, the number and placement of retainingtabs 52 is able to accomplish an engagement between base piece 40 andapertured dial 60 sufficient to retain apertured dial therein whileallowing rotation of apertured dial 60 relative to the base piece 40.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, back portion 44 of base piece 40 includesresilient prongs 54 and registration finger 56. The backside ofretaining tabs 52 is also shown. Prongs 54 are adapted to releasablysecure base piece 40 on the sidewall 11 of birdseed reservoir 12 inmount hole 80 (shown in FIG. 1). Further, registration finger 56 isadapted to engage registration notch 82 shown in FIG. 1 to facilitateproper registration of base piece 40 within mount hole 80. Thesefeatures are discussed in further detail below in reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b).

Retaining tabs 52 and prongs 54 may be formed as an integral part of thebase piece as a one-piece molding of plastic. Retaining tabs 52 andprongs 54 may be made of other materials, but are preferably resilientso as to allow the respective pieces to be fitted together as iscontemplated by this exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Partitioning wall 46, which partitions base piece 40 as shown in FIGS.2-4 to include an opening in the form of seed outlet 58. Outlet port 58is shown as a semi-circular opening that is approximately half the sizeof wall 46. As should be understood, outlet port 58 is not limited tothe size and configuration shown, however, it is preferred that outletport 58 be of a size and configuration that can dispense multiple typesof birdseed.

Now that base piece 40 has been described in some detail, the featuresof apertured dial 60 may be discussed. First, as may be seen withreference to FIGS. 2 and 7-9, apertured dial 60 includes a disc-shapedwall 61 that has a front surface 62 and a back surface 64 defined byedge 63 and two seed apertures 66 and 68 formed therethrough. First seedaperture 66 is in the form of a thistle seed dispenser and second seedaperture 68 is in the form of a mixed seed dispenser and is surroundedby a forwardly projecting, cup-shaped trough 69. Mixed seed aperture 68is primarily sized and adapted to dispense mixed seed or sunflowerseeds, which may collect in trough 69 so as to be accessible by thefeeding birds.

Having now discussed base piece 40 and apertured dial 60 independently,their interrelationship may now be described. As mentioned above,apertured dial 60 is adapted to be rotatably disposed in base piece 40.More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 2, apertured dial 60 maybe pressed into place in interior 41 such that edge 63 clears retainingtabs 52 and back surface 64 confronts partitioning wall 46, thereby toaccomplish a snap-fit engagement.

With reference now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10( a), the interrelationshipsbetween base piece 40 to both apertured dial 60 and birdseed reservoir12 may now be more fully appreciated. Opening 56 or mount hole, insidewall 11 has a central axis “A” that is generally perpendicular tosidewall 12. Base piece 40 nests within mount hole 80 of birdseedreservoir 12 such that it is mounted to the sidewall 11 of birdseedreservoir 12 and partly disposed therein. Accordingly, registration post56 is seated within registration notch 82 and prongs 54 anchor basepiece 40 to the sidewall 11 of birdseed reservoir 12. Apertured dial 60is disposed in base piece 40 and journaled for rotation on the centralaxis “A” and rotates relative thereto. Accordingly, back surface 64 isin confronting relationship with partitioning wall 46 of the base piece.Further, edge 63 has been pressed past retaining tabs 52 and isfrictionally engaged with sidewall 50. Mixed seed aperture 68 is in theseed accessible state, and, as such, it is in fluid communication withoutlet port 58. Thistle seed aperture 66 is obstructed from access tothe birdseed in the birdfeeder by partitioning wall 46.

Apertured dial 60 may be rotated, if desired, to register thistle seedaperture 66 in the seed accessible state. With reference then to FIG.10( b), thistle seed aperture 66 is now in fluid communication withoutlet port 58. As such, mixed seed aperture 68 is now in the inactivestate and partitioning wall 46 and thereby obstructed from access to thebirdseed in the birdfeeder by partitioning wall 46.

An alternative seed dispenser, according to the present invention, isshown in FIGS. 11-18. Broadly, this alternative seed dispenser includesthree pieces—a base piece, an alternating seed aperture piece, and aretaining piece. Since the alternating seed aperture piece has the sameconstruction as that described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, thefollowing discussion will focus primarily upon the construction of thebase piece, the retaining piece, and the interrelationship among thethree pieces.

Turning first to FIGS. 11 and 12, a birdfeeder in the form of hopperfeeder 110 is shown to include birdseed reservoir 112, lid 114, andfeeding stations 120, two of which are shown. Each feeding station 120includes a perch 118 located adjacent a respective seed dispenser 130and 131, which are adapted to be mounted to the sidewall 111 of birdseedreservoir 112, in fluid communication with the bird seed inside thebirdseed reservoir via a mounting hole, such as mount hole 180, whichmay be cut out of the sidewall 111 of birdseed reservoir 112. Mount hole180 includes first notches 182 and second notches 184, which will bedescribed in further detail below.

Since seed dispensers 130 and 131 are identical, seed dispenser 130 willbe used as a representative sample to discuss the construction of thisexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, with respectto FIG. 13, seed dispenser 130 generally includes base piece 140, analternating seed aperture piece in the form of apertured dial 160, and aretaining piece in the form of retaining ring 190. Each of these threepieces may be made of metal, plastic, a composite thereof, or othermaterial suitable as a seed dispenser for use with a birdfeeder.

Similar to seed dispenser 30 described above, base piece 140 mounts seeddispenser 130 to the sidewall 111 of the birdseed reservoir andapertured dial 160 is rotatably disposed therein to allow a desired seedaperture 166 or 168 to be in the seed accessible state. As shown inFIGS. 13-15, base piece 140 is an annular piece of unitary constructionwith a front portion 142 and a back portion 144 separated by apartitioning wall 146. Partitioning wall 146 includes outlet port 158,which, similar to the seed dispenser shown in FIGS. 1-10, is sized todispense different types of birdseed. When a desired seed aperture 166or 168 is registered to be in fluid communication with outlet port 158,feeding birds may access the selected seed within the birdseedreservoir.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-15, base piece 140 has an outersurrounding sidewall 150 with an inner surface 151 located in frontportion 142. Notably, inner surface 151 does not include retaining tabsdisposed circumferentially thereabout to retain apertured dial 160therein. Rather, as will be discussed in more detail below, retainingring 190 is adapted to retain apertured dial 160 therein when the threepieces are assembled.

Base piece 140 is also shown to include a pair of first ears 152 and apair of second ears 154 disposed about the outer surface of sidewall150. As shown in FIG. 15, first ears 152 are adapted to allow screws 153to pass therethrough so as to be received by stand offs 196 of retainingring 190. Accordingly, retaining ring 190 may be releasably secured tobase piece 140. As shown, grooves 169 may further be associated withfirst ears 152 to help alignment of the screws with the ears and toreduce any gaps or open spaces resulting from the coupling of the basepiece and the retaining ring. Second ears 154, are adapted to receive arespective screw 157, which, in conjunction with a respective washer 159releasably secure base piece 140 to the sidewall 111 of the birdseedreservoir. This will be discussed in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 18( a) and (b).

As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, other forms offasteners besides screws 153 may be used to couple the base piece andretaining ring. For example, fasteners such as nails, rivets, and thelike can pass through first ears 152 to be secured into the retainingring. It should also be appreciated that the location of first ears 152and second ears 154 are not limited to the respective locations shown inthe Figures. Further, additional first or second ears could be disposedabout the surface of the outer sidewall for additional places ofsecurement. Alternatively, first and second ears 152 and 154 may beformed in outer sidewall 150 of retaining ring 190 such that they do notproject therefrom an such that the outer surface of sidewall 150 isgenerally uniform.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13 and 15, and with additionalreference to FIGS. 16 and 17, retaining ring 190 is shown as an annulusof unitary construction having a front surface 192, a back surface 194,an outer edge 193, and an inner edge 195. As perhaps best shown in FIGS.13 and 15, retaining ring 190 further includes a sidewall 197 extendingfrom inner edge 195 outwardly from back surface 194 to terminate in rim191.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, three retaining tabs 198 are disposed aboutthe inner surface of sidewall 197 in spaced relation to one another. Ascontemplated, when the seed dispenser is assembled, retaining tabs 198confront the front surface 162 of apertured dial 160 so as to keepapertured dial 160 between retaining ring 190 and base piece 140.Although three retaining tabs 198 are shown, any number of retainingtabs may be disposed circumferentially about sidewall 197. Preferablythough, the number, size, and placement of the tabs allows free rotationof the apertured dial but yet creates enough friction such that theapertured dial stays in place while in use. Alternatively, retainingtabs could be disposed on the front surface of apertured dial 160instead of about sidewall 197 of the retaining ring. As contemplated, anappropriate number of retaining tabs could be disposed circumferentiallyabout the front surface 162 of the apertured dial so as to confrontportions of the rim 191 of the retaining ring.

Now that the individual components of the alternative seed dispensershown in FIGS. 11-17 have been described in some detail, both itsassembly and interrelationship with a birdfeeder may be more fullyappreciated. Turning then to FIGS. 18( a) and 18(b), assembled seeddispenser 130 is shown mounted in opening 180, which has a central axis“A” that is generally perpendicular to sidewall 111. Base piece 140 andretaining ring 190 are releasably secured to one another by screws 153and apertured dial 160 is rotatably disposed therebetween and relativeto base piece 140 such that front surface 162 confronts rim 191 andretaining tabs 198. In FIG. 18( a), seed dispenser 130 is in the firstseed access state wherein mixed seed aperture 168 is in fluidcommunication with outlet port 158. In FIG. 18( b), seed dispenser 130is in the second seed access state wherein thistle seed aperture 166 isin fluid communication with outlet port 158.

As briefly mentioned above, seed dispenser 130 nests within a mount holecut out of the sidewall 111 of the birdseed reservoir and is retained inposition with fasteners in the form of screws. More specifically, basepiece 140 nests within mount hole 180, which is shown in FIG. 12. Sincefirst ears 152 and second ears 154 project from the outer sidewall 150of base piece 140, mount hole 180 further includes first notches 182 andsecond notches 184, which correspond, respectively to first ears 152 andsecond ears 154 such that hole 180 nestably receives base piece 140.

Base piece 140 is releasably secured to the sidewall 111 of birdseedreservoir 112 by a fastener in the form of screw 157 and washer 159.More specifically, a respective screw 157 is received by a respectivesecond-ear 154 (shown in FIG. 14). Together, screw 157 and washer 159,anchor base piece 140 to the sidewall 111 of birdseed reservoir 112thereby to releasably fasten the seed dispenser thereto.

Turning now to FIGS. 19 and 20 an alternative retaining ring 290 isshown which is also an annulus of unitary construction having a frontsurface 292, back surface 294, an outer edge 293, and an inner edge 295.Retaining ring 290 further includes a sidewall 297 extending from inneredge 295 outwardly from back surface 294 to terminate in rim 291. Ascompared to retaining ring 190 shown above in FIGS. 13, 15-18(a) and(b), retaining ring 290 in FIGS. 19 and 20 does not include separate,angularly spaced retaining tabs to hold the apertured dial in place.Rather, sidewall 297 includes a radially inwardly projecting rim 291extending around the inner perimeter of sidewall 297 that is wide enoughto confront the front surface 262 of apertured dial 260. Thisconfronting relationship is shown in FIG. 21. As may be seen, rim 291confronts front surface 262 proximately to edge 263 of apertured dial260. Accordingly, rim 291 keeps apertured dial 260 between retainingring 290 and base piece 240.

Another seed dispenser according to the present invention is shown inFIGS. 22-27. This seed dispenser includes two pieces—the base piece andthe apertured piece. Turning first to FIGS. 22 and 23, a birdfeeder 310,of generally of frustoconical configuration, is shown to includebirdseed reservoir 312 having a sidewall 311 and a plurality of seeddispensers 330. Each seed dispenser 330 is adapted to be mounted tomounting hole, such as hole 380, which is in fluid communication withthe birdseed inside the birdseed reservoir and adapted to provide accessthereto. As shown mount hole 380 includes two notches 382, which will bedescribed in further detail below.

With reference to FIG. 24, a representative seed dispenser 330 is shownto including base piece 340 and apertured dial 360. Base piece 340 has adifferent configuration than heretofore described in that it is adaptedto confront the sidewall 311 of the birdfeeder shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.Base piece 340 is more elongated than compared to that shown FIGS. 3 and4 above and further includes perch 318, which is releasably securable tostandoffs 356 such as by a snap fit engagement.

With reference to FIGS. 24-27, base piece 340 includes back wall 346,which extends the length thereof. Back wall 346 further includes anopening in the form of seed outlet 358. When base piece 340 is mountedto the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, seed outlet 358 is in fluidcommunication with the mounting hole permitting access to the birdseedcontained therein.

Base piece 340 is shown further to include four retaining tabs 352 inspaced relation to one another. Similar to the retaining tabs describedabove with reference to FIGS. 2-6, retaining tabs 352 are adapted toaccomplish an engagement between base piece 340 and apertured dial 360sufficient to retain apertured dial therein while allowing rotation ofapertured dial 360 relative to the base piece 340.

Base piece 340 further includes a pair of prongs 354. Again, similar tothat described above with respect to FIGS. 4-6, prongs 354 are adaptedto releasably secure base piece 340 to the sidewall 311 of birdseedreservoir 312 in mount hole 380 shown in FIG. 23. With reference to FIG.23, the attachment of base piece 340 is similar to that described abovewith reference to FIGS. 10( a) and 10(b) in that prongs 340 pass throughnotches 382 to anchor base piece 340 to the sidewall 311 of birdseedreservoir 312. Preferably, prongs 354 are formed of a resilient materialto facilitate the removal and reattachment of base piece 340 to sidewall311.

With continued reference to FIGS. 24-26, apertured dial 360 is similarin construction to both the apertured dials described above withreference to FIGS. 2 and 13. As such, it is rotatably disposed in thebase piece 340. Accordingly, when mixed seed aperture 368 is in the seedaccessible state, it is in fluid communication with outlet port 358 andthistle seed aperture 366 is obstructed from access to the birdseed byback wall 346. Similarly, when thistle seed aperture 366 is in the seedaccessible state, it is in fluid communication with outlet port 358while mixed seed aperture 368 is obstructed from access to the birdseedin the birdfeeder by back wall 346.

An alternative birdfeeder and seed dispenser, both according to thepresent invention, are shown in FIGS. 28-37. Turning first to FIG. 28,tube birdfeeder 410 is shown to include a plurality of seed dispensers430, 431, and 433, birdseed reservoir 412, lid 414, hanger member 416,and tray 417. Since seed dispensers 430, 431, and 433 are identical inconstruction, seed dispenser 430 will be used as a representative sampleto discuss the construction thereof in more detail.

Turning now to FIGS. 29 and 30, seed dispenser 430 generally includesbase piece 440, apertured piece 460, spacer 470, and end piece 490.Together, base piece 440 and end piece 490 form a base assembly thathouses both apertured piece 460 and spacer 470. More particularly, asshown in FIGS. 31-33, base piece 442 and end piece 490 form baseassembly 440, which defines chamber 450 for receiving both the aperturedpiece and the spacer therein.

Taken separately, base piece 442 includes perch 418, front plate 444having opening 446 formed therein and resilient prongs 453 and 454,which are operative to releasably secure the seed dispenser, whenassembled, to the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir in openings such asopening 480 shown in FIG. 28. Projecting away from front plate 444 isflange 448, which includes a plurality of spaced apart tab members 456.Base piece 442 further includes lip 449 such that when assembled,apertured piece 460 abuts lip 449 so as to be retained in chamber 450.

End piece 490 is shown here in the form of a disc and generally includesend wall 492, access opening 494, and a plurality of spaced apart tabslots 496. Tab slots 496 are sized and adapted to receive tab members456 of base piece 442 in a nested relationship thereby permitting thetwo pieces to be coupled together by, for example, snap-fit engagement,press-fit engagement, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or other suitablemeans. Once coupled, flange 448 supports end wall 492 and tab members456 extend slightly beyond wall 492. Tab members 456 may thereafter bepeened over to fixedly attach end piece thereto and secure to ensure atight fit engagement between the two pieces. Alternatively, if desired,base piece 442 and end piece 490 may be releasably secured to oneanother. When assembled, base assembly 440 defines chamber 450 andopening 446 and access opening 494 are aligned so as to be in fluidcommunication with one another.

As mentioned above, both apertured piece 460 and spacer 470 are bothdisposed in the chamber of the base assembly, proximate to the endpiece, when the seed dispenser is assembled. Apertured piece 460 isidentical in construction as that discussed above with reference, forexample, to FIGS. 1-10 and thus is rotatably disposed in the chamber.Spacer 470 separates apertured piece 460 from end wall 492 to facilitateits movement that permits the selective positioning of the desired seedport in the seed accessible state.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, spacer 470 is in the form of an undulatingwire ring that is shaped similar to that of a spring and is interposedbetween apertured piece 460 and end piece 490 when the seed dispenser isassembled. Wire ring 470 is retained in place between apertured piece460 and end piece 490 by circumferential groove 498 formed in end piece490 as shown in FIGS. 33-35. When received in groove 498, someundulations 472 are not flush with end wall 492 while other undulations474 are nestably received in groove 498. As such, the extendingundulations 472 achieve the desired spacing between end piece 490 andapertured piece 460, while undulations 474 retain wire spring 470 inplace during movement of apertured piece 460. As shown in FIG. 36,apertured piece 460 is separated from end piece 490 by space 476,created by undulations 472. Wire ring 470 may be formed of steel orother suitable material that accomplishes forming space 476.

Now that the construction of components of seed dispenser 430 have beendescribed, it may further be appreciated that seed dispenser 430 may beremovably disposed, or if desired, permanently fixed in designatedlocations along the length of the cylindrical sidewall 411 of birdseedreservoir 412. Openings, such as opening 480 shown in FIG. 28, may beformed in sidewall 411 of birdseed reservoir 412 and may further includenotch 482 for receiving a prong of the base piece. With reference thento FIGS. 28, 37 a, and 37 b, opening 480 has a central axis “A” that isgenerally perpendicular to sidewall 411. Base piece 442 nests within anopening, such as opening 480, such that prong 454 is received by notch482 and both prongs 453 and 454 anchor base piece to sidewall 411.

Front plate 444 confronts outer surface 409 of birdseed reservoirsidewall 411 and surrounds the opening formed in the sidewall. Frontplate 444 essentially acts as a shield about the opening in the birdseedreservoir in effort to prevent squirrels and other animals from chewingthrough the sidewall to gain access to the birdseed. Opening 446 infront plate 444 is in fluid communication with the opening 480. Flange458 extends around opening 480 in sidewall 411 and projects away fromfront plate 444 and into the reservoir. Tab members 456 extend beyondwall 492 and apertured piece 460 abuts lip 449 of base piece 442 so asto be retained within chamber 450.

Apertured piece 460 is journaled for rotation on axis “A” and rotatesrelative thereto. As shown in FIG. 37( a), mixed seed aperture 468 is inthe seed accessible state, and as such, is in fluid communication withaccess opening 494. Thistle seed aperture 466 is obstructed from accessto the birdseed by end wall 492. In FIG. 37( b), apertured piece 460 hasbeen rotated to now register thistle seed aperture 466 in the seedaccessible state. As shown, thistle seed aperture 466 is in fluidcommunication with access opening 494 and mixed seed aperture 468 is nowin the inactive state and end wall 492 obstructs access to the birdseed.

As shown, perch 418, front plate 444, prongs 453, 454, flange 448 may beformed as one integral piece. Base piece 442, apertured piece 460, andend piece 490 and may be formed of plastic, metal, wood, a combinationthereof, or other suitable material for use in connection with abirdfeeder. Further, as should be appreciated, seed dispenser 430, asshown and described in reference to FIGS. 28-37, may be incorporated ona variety of birdfeeders, such as the feeders shown in FIG. 11 and FIG.22.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described in great detailwith reference to FIGS. 1-37. It should be appreciated from theforegoing that variations of the constructions described may be made bythe ordinarily skilled artisan in this field without departing from theinventive concepts herein. For example, the individual pieces that makeup the alternative seed dispensers are not limited to any particularsize or dimension. Rather, the configuration of these pieces areprimarily dictated by the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir thatincorporates the seed dispenser. Also, the seed dispenser may employalternative means by which the seed ports are alternated between thevarious seed access states. For example, an alternating seed aperturepiece that moves horizontally or vertically within the base piece iscontemplated whereby the horizontal or vertical movement shifts the seedaperture piece among the seed access states.

Also, as should be appreciated, the present invention furthercontemplates a method of utilizing a birdfeeder having a birdseedreservoir with a surrounding sidewall adapted to contain the birdseedand an opening formed in the sidewall adapted to access and dispense thebirdseed to the birds. The method comprises the steps of providing thebirdfeeder with a seed dispenser having a plurality of seed aperturesassociated therewith and adding a selected type of birdseed to thebirdseed reservoir. The method also includes moving one of the seedapertures into a seed accessible state whereby the selected seedaperture is in fluid communication with the opening in the sidewall topermit access to the birdseed and allow for the birdseed to be dispensedtherethrough. The method may also include the use of a rotatable dialpiece having a plurality of seed apertures formed therethrough wherebythe dial piece is rotated to move a selected seed aperture into the seedaccessible state.

The method further includes rotating or otherwise moving a piece of theseed dispenser so as to place a desired seed port in the seed accessiblestate thereby to permit feeding birds access to the birdseed in thebirdseed reservoir. It should be appreciated that the methodology of thepresent invention can include any steps, not limited to those discussedhereinabove, that can be accomplished by the above-described structures.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degreeof particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present inventionis defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior artso that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention without departing from theinventive concepts contained herein.

1. A dispenser adapted to access and dispense birdseed from a birdfeederthat has a birdseed reservoir with a sidewall having an outer surfaceand an inner surface, comprising: (A) a base assembly mounted to anopening in the sidewall of said reservoir, said base assembly including(1) a front plate having an opening formed therein; (2) a flangeextending around the opening and projecting away from said front plate;and (3) an end wall supported by said flange such that said flange andsaid end wall together define a chamber, said end wall having an accessopening formed therethrough; and (B) an apertured piece received in saidchamber and including (1) a first seed aperture of a firstconfiguration; and (2) a second seed aperture of a second configurationthat is different from that of the first configuration; and (3) whereinsaid apertured piece is moveable relative to said base piece between (a)a first orientation wherein said first seed aperture is oriented in aseed accessible state so as to provide access to the bird seed; and (b)a second orientation wherein said second seed aperture is in the seedaccessible state.
 2. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein saidbase assembly includes a plurality of resilient prongs operative toreleasably secure said base assembly to said sidewall.
 3. The dispenseraccording to claim 1 wherein the access opening is in fluidcommunication with the first seed aperture when said apertured piece isin the first orientation and wherein access to the birdseed via thesecond seed aperture is obstructed by said end wall.
 4. The dispenseraccording to claim 1 wherein the access opening is in fluidcommunication with the second seed aperture when said apertured piece isin the second orientation and wherein access to the birdseed via thefirst seed aperture is obstructed by said end wall.
 5. A dispenseradapted to access and dispense birdseed from a birdfeeder that has abirdseed reservoir with a sidewall having an outer surface and an innersurface, comprising: (A) a base piece mounted to an opening in thesidewall of said reservoir; (B) an end piece coupled to said base pieceand including a wall having an access opening formed therethrough thatis in fluid communication with the opening; (C) an apertured piecesupported by said base piece at a location proximate to said wall ofsaid end piece and including (1) a first seed aperture of a firstconfiguration; and (2) a second seed aperture of a second configurationthat is different from that of the first configuration; and (3) whereinsaid apertured piece is moveable relative to said base piece between (a)a first orientation wherein said first seed aperture is in fluidcommunication with the access opening; and (b) a second orientationwherein said second seed aperture is in fluid communication with theaccess opening; and (D) a spacer interposed between said end piece andsaid apertured piece.
 6. The dispenser according to claim 5 wherein saidbase piece includes a flange extending around the opening and projectinginto the birdseed reservoir, said flange including a plurality of spacedapart tab members.
 7. The dispenser according to claim 6 wherein saidend piece includes a plurality of spaced apart tab slots adapted toreceive said tab members in a snap-fit engagement.
 8. The dispenseraccording to claim 5 wherein said base piece includes a front plateformed as an integral part thereof that is adapted to surround theopening and confront the outer surface of said birdseed reservoirsidewall.
 9. The dispenser according to claim 5 wherein (A) the firstconfiguration is adapted to dispense thistle birdseed from thereservoir; and (B) the second configuration is adapted to dispense mixedbirdseed from the reservoir.
 10. The dispenser according to claim 5wherein said base piece and said end piece together form a chamber sizedand adapted to receive said apertured piece therein.
 11. The dispenseraccording to claim 10 wherein said apertured piece is a dial that isrotatably disposed in the chamber.
 12. The dispenser according to claim5 wherein said wall of said end piece has a groove formed therein thatis sized and adapted to receive a portion of said spacer thereby torestrain movement thereof.
 13. A birdfeeder adapted to be supported inspaced relation to a support surface and to provide birdseed to birds,comprising: (A) a birdseed reservoir with a surrounding sidewall adaptedto receive the birdseed therein, said sidewall having an opening formedtherethrough; and (B) a seed dispenser mounted to the opening in saidsidewall and adapted to dispense the birdseed to the birds and including(1) a base assembly mounted to an opening in the sidewall of saidreservoir, said base assembly including (a) a front plate having anopening formed therein; (b) a flange extending around the opening andprojecting away from said front plate; and (c) an end wall supported bysaid flange such that said flange and said end wall together define achamber, said end wall having an access opening formed therethrough; and(2) an apertured piece received in said chamber and including (a) afirst seed aperture of a first configuration; and (b) a second seedaperture of a second configuration that is different from that of thefirst configuration; and (c) wherein said apertured piece is moveablerelative to said base piece between (i) a first orientation wherein saidfirst seed aperture is oriented in a seed accessible state so as toprovide access to the bird seed; and (ii) a second orientation whereinsaid second seed aperture is in the seed accessible state.
 14. Abirdfeeder according to claim 13 wherein said end wall is fixedlyattached to said flange in a snap-fit engagement.
 15. A birdfeederaccording to claim 13 wherein said base assembly includes a plurality ofresilient prongs operative to releasably secure said base assembly tosaid sidewall.
 16. A birdfeeder according to claim 13 wherein said frontplate confronts the outer surface of the birdseed reservoir sidewall andsurrounds the opening formed therein.
 17. A birdfeeder according toclaim 13 wherein said apertured piece is a dial that is rotatablydisposed in the chamber.
 18. A birdfeeder according to claim 13 whereinin the first orientation the access opening is in fluid communicationwith the first seed aperture and access to the birdseed via the secondseed aperture is obstructed by said end wall, and in the secondorientation the access opening is in fluid communication with the secondseed aperture and access to the birdseed via the first seed aperture isobstructed by said end wall.
 19. A birdfeeder according to claim 13wherein the first configuration is adapted to dispense thistle birdseedfrom the reservoir, and the second configuration is adapted to dispensemixed birdseed from the reservoir.
 20. A birdfeeder according to claim13 including a spacer interposed between said end wall and saidapertured piece and adapted to separate at least a portion of saidapertured piece from said end wall, said spacer being an undulatingwire.